Culinary Services Director
Avamere · Tigard, OR
Apply & track with Apply EdgeType: Full-Time
They manage kitchen staff, plan nutritional menus, control budgets, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. They also tailor meals for residents with specific dietary needs, including those experiencing cognitive decline.Essential Duties And Job ResponsibilitiesDevelop rotating menus that balance resident preferences with nutritional requirements. Adapt recipes for modified diets (e.g., pureed, low-sodium) and address individual food allergies or swallowing difficulties common in memory care. recipes for modified dietsManage food, supply, and labor budgets. Oversee inventory control, vendor relationships, and daily production workflows. Oversee the management of daily operations of the culinary departments, including hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating staff. Maintain strict adherence to federal, state, and local sanitation and health codes. Ensure proper food temperatures, safe storage, and HACCP procedures across all facilitiesEnsures the culinary department comply with all relevant codes, regulations, and company policies to provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents and staff. Recruit, train, and supervise culinary and dining staff. Conduct performance reviews, manage schedules, and foster a supportive, hospitality-driven workplaceOversee all food production, dining room operations, and resident meal deliveries while maintaining operational and financial efficiencyManage food and supply budgets, inventory levels, purchasing, and vendor relationshipsMaintain strict adherence to local, state, and federal health department regulations, including sanitation, food storage, and safety protocolsAbility to create a high-quality dining experience and handle resident feedback effectivelyOn-call staffing responsibilities after hours and weekends as needed. Regularly engage with residents and families through meetings or feedback loops to ensure high satisfaction. Coordinate special events, catering functions, and themed dining nights to enrich community lifeServe as a point of contact for staff, residents, and external vendors regarding culinary issues. Perform all other duties as assignedRequirementsRequirements and Qualifications3+ years' experience of foodservice operations management, preferably in senior living, healthcare, or hospitalityPrefer Degree in hospitality management, culinary arts, or business managementPreferred Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)Strong leadership, financial management (budgeting), and proficiency in Microsoft Office, with experience in POS or dining management softwareAbility to manage high-volume production and complex scheduling. Strong working knowledge of senior nutrition, therapeutic diets, and food safety standardsFood safety certification and Food Handler State Card required. Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information in accordance with HIPAA guidelinesA genuine desire to improve the quality of life for seniorsCreate and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environmentMust maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employmentBenefitsWe believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making a difference every day.Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible. - Benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer matchPaid Time Off (PTO) and Premium Pay for Holidays worked, conditions applyEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balanceHealth Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services"At Arete Living, we love to celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. We value diversity and believe forming teams in which everyone can their true, authentic self is key to our success "We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status."The company reserves the right to revise the duties set forth in this job description at its discretion.Arete Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify